Code: FA1891
A superb 18th century silver single handled lemon strainer, designed to drain the juice from cut fruit into punches, keeping pips and other debris behind. It has a clip on the edge to sit on the rim of a bowl or cup. A nicely cast beaded rim and shaped rococo style handle, and a particularly fine arrangement of pierced holes. Hallmarked to the underside for London 1775, the maker initials partially rubbed, "?M" possibly for Benjamin Mountigue (Mordecai). Lion passant mark to the handle.
It measures 9.3cm (3 11/16") rim to rim, 13.2cm (5 3/16") handle to rim and 2.3cm (78") high. It weighs 60g / 1.9ozt.
In excellent condition for a piece of this type: just a few very minor dings around the outer edge of the bowl and a very slight compression to the edge of the rim at "3 o'clock" with the handle facing towards you. No other dents, holes or splits and no repairs under the rim as is often the case. Very minor handling wear and the hallmarks are all clear apart from the first initial of the maker's mark as mentioned.
A rare and beautiful piece and perfectly useful for cocktail parties, or for dredging chocolate or icing sugar over desserts.
